China’s first law dedicated to national parks the National Park Law- came into effect on January 1 (Thursday). National parks represent the country’s most vital natural ecosystems, most distinctive landscapes, most valuable natural heritage, and richest reservoirs of biodiversity. The enactment and implementation of the law mark the beginning of a new phase of legally grounded and standardized development of China’s national park system.
The first group of five national parks has already delivered notable results. The law clearly stipulates the need to formulate a spatial layout plan for national parks and to select park sites based on the distribution of natural ecological spaces and the requirements of systematic conservation.
China is building the world’s largest national park system. However, in accordance with laws, regulations, and on-the-ground realities, the construction of new national parks should proceed in an orderly manner.
At the same time, national parks cover vast areas. How to protect the most critical zones while promoting green development and safeguarding public well-being is a key challenge. Based on the characteristics of natural ecosystems, functional positioning, and management objectives, national parks are divided into core protected areas and general control areas. While upholding the principle of ecological security, this approach defines clear spatial boundaries for scientific use and residential development, enabling an institutional design that combines strict constraints with flexible guidance.
China’s national parks vary significantly in their natural environments and resources, and their conservation objectives also differ. As the sources of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers, Sanjiangyuan National Park focuses on water resource conservation; by contrast, the Giant Panda National Park and the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park prioritize the protection of endangered species. Therefore, a single uniform standard cannot effectively safeguard all national parks at once.
The law fully takes into account each national park’s unique ecological and geographical conditions, natural resources, and core conservation values, and clearly establishes differentiated and flexible management mechanisms. Regions are empowered to formulate specific measures based on local realities.
As top-tier ecosystems, national parks provide universally beneficial ecological public goods that serve every household. How can national park development translate into tangible benefits for the public?
Chen Kang, Director of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Administration, said: “We will actively explore the integration of tropical rainforests with industries such as nature education, forest health, and wellness. By offering services including tourism reception, folk culture exhibitions, and specialty agricultural products, we will accelerate income growth for local residents.”
In addition, the law encourages granting the public free access to national parks on designated days and promoting volunteer service activities related to national parks. Expanding opportunities for people to get closer to nature and gain first-hand experiences—transforming them from ‘spectators’ into ‘participants’—is a core objective of the legislation.
Source: Cai Alim and Wang Haiman, China Media Group.